"As of July 1, 2024, cherry production for the current season is estimated at 33,400 tonnes, close to the previous year's level. In June, prices were down year-on-year, but still higher than the five-year average", says Agreste in its conjuncture note published today.
2024 production close to last year's levels
In 2024, cherry production in France is estimated at 33,400 tonnes as of July 1, virtually the same level as in 2023 (-1%). This is 9% higher than the average production from 2019 to 2023, marked by the meagre harvest in 2021.
Production on the decline in PACA
In Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, bad weather in spring (frost, precipitation, wind, hail) followed by bad weather in June have affected grading and yields, which are lower than in the previous forecast. Production is thus forecast to be 8% down on the last year. However, it remains 19% above the five-year average.
In Occitanie, excess water in June led to losses (hatching, rotting, and fruit drop). Despite a downward revision of forecasts, production remains 5% higher than the previous year.
In Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, hail and drosophila caused losses in June, following bad weather in May. However, the late firm-fleshed varieties showed better resistance, leading to a 5% year-on-year increase in production.
June prices down year-on-year
In June 2024, with all basins now in production, especially late varieties, cherry prices fell by 7% year-on-year but remained 17% higher than the five-year average. Fruit firmness improved during the month, and sizes were satisfactory. According to market data from St Charles (66), volumes from Spain in June, at around 1,600 tonnes, were twice as high as last year and 45% above the average for the last 5 campaigns.
Source : agreste.agriculture.gouv.fr